York St John Universityhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/taxonomy/term/3714/all
enYork to host ecumenical climate change service and workshopshttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16542
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<p>The Archbishop of York, the Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough and the Methodist Chair of the York &amp; Hull District are to lead a service at York Minster on climate change.</p>
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<p>The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Rev Terence Drainey and the Methodist Chair of the York &amp; Hull District, the Rev Stephen Burgess, will lead a special service at York Minster on Saturday, 21 April, to explore the Christian response to climate change. </p>
<p>After the service, leading scientific and development organisations will present a series of workshops at York St John University.</p>
<p>The Archbishop of York said: “The natural world is a gift from God to enjoy; but we are also called to join with God in sustaining and caring for it. At the service held in the beautiful building of York Minster, we must continue to focus on how we as the people of God are fulfilling that call of God to be stewards of all the good things He has given to us, especially Planet Earth. ”</p>
<p>The Bishop of Middlesbrough commented: “It is so easy to become overwhelmed by facts, figures and experts saying one thing and another. I prefer to keep it simple. In the beginning we were appointed as stewards of creation. Humankind might well be at the pinnacle of creation, but we believe that all creation comes from the hands of the Creator and so is of value. It is our job to respect the wonder of creation and to work with the Creator to ensure that we pass this incalculable gift on to the next generations.”</p>
<p>The Reverend Stephen Burgess, Chair of the York and Hull Methodist District said: “Along with many other Christians, the Methodist Church is committed to responsible ‘Christian Discipleship in the Context of Climate Change’. The presentations of the My Mission Catholic Youth Team, Tearfund and Operation Noah, as part of this special service, and the workshops that follow will all help to focus people’s thinking. We all have a moral responsibility to take action and become more effective stewards.”</p>
<p>The workshops include presentations from CAFOD, Christian Aid, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Tearfund, Quaker Living Witness, The John Ray Initiative, Operation Noah and the Christian Census on Climate Change.</p>
<p>‘Mission Earth’ follows a unique nationwide census launched by a group from the Diocese of Middlesbrough last November. The Christian Census on Climate Change was designed to open debate and gather opinions from Christians of all denominations on whether climate change is of little importance and untouchable, or something to be tackled from both scientific and moral perspectives. Results of the Census will be discussed during the afternoon programme of workshops.</p>
<p>The service at York Minster and workshops at York St John University are both free to attend. Registration is required at <a href="http://www.concc.wikispaces.com" title="www.concc.wikispaces.com">www.concc.wikispaces.com</a> for the afternoon workshops.</p>
<p>[Ekk/4]</p>
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Beliefs and ValuesNews Briefchristian census on climate changeclimate changeecumenical actionUK Newsyorkyork minsterYork St John UniversityMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:51 +0000agency reporter16542 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukBritish university department explores links between sport and spiritualityhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/5693
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<p>A British university department dedicated to exploring the relationship between sport and spirituality has launched itself internationally by staging an inaugural conference for sports coaches, chaplains and administrators, as well as professional athletes and academics.</p>
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<p>A British university department dedicated to exploring the relationship between sport and spirituality has launched itself internationally by staging an inaugural conference for sports coaches, chaplains and administrators, as well as professional athletes and academics.</p>
<p>More than 70 delegates from 11 countries recently met at the Centre for the Study of Sport and Spirituality, which is part of York St John University in northern England, to look at the spiritual and moral issues involved in their work - <em>writes Martin Revis for ENI</em>.</p>
<p>Topics discussed included disability events, spirituality in single-handed sailing, Zen and other meditative states in sport, sectarianism in Scottish football, and the impact of traditional African beliefs on the game. Delegates were also invited to abandon armchair discussion and join in a run on the outskirts of the city.</p>
<p>Nick Watson, senior lecturer and founder director of the centre, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, and one that has an ecumenical and multi-faith remit, told Ecumenical News International that the centre hoped to tackle what US ethicist Albert Spencer has described as the win-at-all cost mentality that fosters disrespect for competitors and society through egotism and an obsessive focus on money.</p>
<p>As a competitive amateur sportsman himself, and one who plays football and snowboards, Watson said the current situation could only be reversed by the "spiritual transformation of the hearts of individual men and women". He believes the York centre can help improve the moral climate within sport by talking with coaches, parents and athletes, by providing lobbying material for those administrating events, such as the 2012 London Olympics, and by taking part in media discussions.</p>
<p>David Hope, former Anglican Archbishop of York and a founding patron of the centre established in 2004, believes it provides, "an opportunity to enable dialogue that integrates personal experience, the academic sports disciplines and the understanding of human purpose and well-being derived from Christianity and other world faiths".</p>
<p>Centre staff co-supervise education and theology undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations at the university. Students are currently writing on a variety of issues including Buddhism in martial arts, the psychological impact of injury, Christian ethics in big business competitive sport, and the role of exercise in enhancing the mental and spiritual well-being of patients suffering from disease. </p>
<p>[With acknowldgements to ENI. <a href="http://www.eni.ch/">Ecumenical News International</a> is jointly sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the Conference of European Churches.]</p>
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EqualityNews Briefbusiness ethicsspiritualitysporttheologyUK NewsYork St John UniversityThu, 13 Sep 2007 06:06:55 +0000Ecumenical News International5693 at http://www.ekklesia.co.uk